Why it matters:
Iran and Turkey, two major regional players, frame closer alignment as essential to counter destabilizing actors and avoid escalating crises, so their relationship is one of the region’s most strategically significant bilateral ties.
What they are saying:
In this meeting, Pezeshkian emphasized the long-standing cultural and historical ties between Iran and Turkey, arguing that Muslim countries, if acting with a unified political will, can prevent outside powers from imposing harmful agendas on the region.
He also reiterated Iran’s view that economic and cultural interconnectivity acts as a deterrent to conflict, saying: “Where trade, science, and culture cross borders, terrorism and arms will never cross.”
Pezeshkian framed several of the region’s current crises as the result of foreign interference and deliberate efforts to deepen divisions between Muslim nations.
He urged Islamic countries to facilitate one another’s political and economic needs, especially at a time when, he said, “shared enemies” are exerting more pressure on Muslim communities.
Drawing a comparison to Europe, he argued that the EU’s ability to integrate after centuries of conflict offers a model for Muslim-majority states to follow.
During the meeting, Fidan delivered warm greetings from Turkey’s president and conveyed Ankara’s interest in boosting trade, economic cooperation, and regional coordination with Iran.
Fidan praised Pezeshkian’s “sincere” approach to Muslim unity and said, "Turkey fully agrees that internal disputes have cost the Islamic world valuable time.
The moment has come, he argued, for coordinated and collective action among Muslim countries.
Go deeper:
Iran, Turkey Push to Ease Trade Barriers; Araqchi Warns of Israel’s War Threats
Zohre Khazaee - Hossein Vaez
